GREATER LONDON INNER WEST CORONERS DISTRICT
Identity Statement
Reference code(s) | : GB 0074 COR/IW |
Held at | : London Metropolitan Archives Click here to find out how to view this collection at https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma › |
Full title | : GREATER LONDON INNER WEST CORONERS DISTRICT |
Date(s) | : 1966-2001 |
Level of description | : Collection |
Extent | : 175.98 linear metres |
Name of creator(s) | : Coroner for the Jurisdiction of Inner Western District of Greater London |
Context
Administrative/Biographical history:
The Greater London Inner West Coroner's Court District was situated at Westminster Coroner's Court, 65 Horseferry Road, SW1. The jurisdiction of the court covered the City of Westminster and the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Merton and Wandsworth.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
Content
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of the Greater London Inner West District Coroner's Court, comprising case papers, 1966-2001. Please note these records are subject to a 30 year closure period.
For the closed period researchers are advised to consult local newspapers for references to inquests. In very rare cases where medical or legal questions are involved, information from closed records may be made available. It will be necessary to contact the Coroner currently in charge of the court concerned, who has the power to release transcripts or details of inquests to suitable applicants.
Access & Use
Language/scripts of material:
English
System of arrangement:
Case papers arranged chronologically.
Conditions governing access:
Restricted access: please see staff.
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copyright to these records rests with the depositor.
Finding aids:
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Archival Information
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
Deposited by the Coroner at various dates.
Allied Materials
Related material:
Publication note:
Description Notes
Archivist's note:
Rules or conventions:
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
Date(s) of descriptions:
November 2009 to February 2010
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